Spring water whose composition in mineral elements allows a therapeutic use.
Microbiologically sound natural water from a groundwater table or underground deposit exploited from one or more natural or drilled emergences. It shows a stability of its essential characteristics, in particular composition (mineral content, trace elements, etc.) and temperature at emergence, which is not affected by the flow of the water taken. It is distinguished from other waters intended for human consumption:
- by its nature (characterized by its content of minerals, trace elements or other constituents),
- by its original purity, both characteristics have been preserved intact due to the underground origin of this water which has been kept safe from any risk of pollution. These characteristics must have been assessed geologically and hydrogeologically, physically, chemically, microbiologically and, if necessary, pharmacologically, physiologically and clinically.
According to the circular No. DGS / EA4 / 2008/30 of 31 January 2008 on the safety of mineral waters, mineral water is water with a set of characteristics that are likely to bring its health-promoting properties. It testifies, within the framework of the known natural fluctuations, of a stability of its essential characteristics, in particular of composition and temperature at the emergence, which is not affected by the flow of the water taken.